Italy - France Betting Preview: Back the hosts to claim a comfortable win

By William Duncan

Cesare Prandelli's side have been in fine form recently and Willie Duncan is backing the Azzurri to keep their run going by seeing off Didier Deschamps' men on Wednesday night

Didier Deschamps’ short reign as France manager has been peppered with mixed results thus far, but the former Marseille coach is hoping that les Bleus can enjoy a confidence-boosting victory when they travel to face Euro 2012 runners-up Italy in Parma on Wednesday evening.

Cesare Prandelli’s side are unbeaten in four matches since slipping to a 2-1 friendly defeat at the hands of England in August and the Azzurri are favourites at 11/10 (2.10) with Bet365 to taste victory at Stadio Ennio Tardini, a price that holds significant appeal.

Les Bleus, though, held world and European champions Spain to a credible 1-1 draw in World Cup qualification last month and will travel to Italy in confident mood.

Deschamps’ men can be backed at 5/2 (3.50) with Bet365 to claim an away win while the same firm go 23/10 (3.30) that the match ends in a draw.

A lack of firepower has been the biggest problem for les Bleus in recent months.

They have failed to score in four of their last seven matches and, with talismanic striker Karim Benzema missing this clash, France may struggle to hit the net again here.

Deschamps’ side, though, may take some comfort from the fact that Italy have kept just one clean sheet - against Malta - in their last seven matches.

It should be noted, too, that Italy have scored 10 goals in their last four matches and, with the national side having adopted a more attacking philosophy under Prandelli, as a result, the 27/20 (2.35) quote from Bet365 for three or more goals to be scored is tempting here.

Italy’s recent record suggests that they will have too much firepower for France.

Given that the Azzurri have struck in the first half in six of their last seven matches, the 13/5 (3.60) from Bet365 for them to lead at both half-time and full-time should be snapped up here while the 11/10 (2.10) on offer from Bet365 for a home win is outstanding value and should be backed accordingly.

Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter